K-12 Engineering Education Standards: - International Technology ...

Classroom Challenge
The Intersection Challenge
By Harry T. Roman
Open up the boundaries and
allow students to redesign their
world.
Introduction
Street intersections are a source of accidents—for both
automobiles and pedestrians. In this exercise, we shall
explore some possible ways to change the traditional
intersection.
Thinking about the Problem
Our modern grid layout of streets and roads makes it
necessary that they cross one another. Here, some form
of control must be exerted to moderate traffic, first in one
direction and then the other. Is there an alternative to
the intersection that would allow cars and pedestrians a
separate thoroughfare?
For instance, how might your students allow pedestrians
to cross a busy street without worrying about traffic? Are
there any examples of this in your community? Is there an
elevated walkway across a busy highway that citizens can
now use? Survey your students to find out where they think
such walkways should be installed in your town.
18 • Technology and Engineering Teacher • February 2011